Prescription Fraud Attorney in Gwinnett County

Serious Charges Need Focused Criminal Defense—Call (678) 726-5400

Prescription fraud charges in Georgia can quickly turn into a life-changing problem. A single allegation can put your freedom, your job, and your reputation at risk, especially if you work in a licensed profession or already have a criminal record. If you are facing accusations related to prescription drugs in Gwinnett County, you need clear information and steady legal guidance.

At Crawford and Boyle, LLC, we know this is an overwhelming time. Many clients come to us feeling scared, embarrassed, and unsure of what the police or prosecutors can actually prove. Our role is to cut through the confusion, explain what you are really facing, and help you make sound decisions about your case.

Our criminal defense team includes former prosecutors with more than 50 years of combined experience. We have handled thousands of criminal cases since 2010, and we regularly defend people charged in the Gwinnett County court system. We offer free consultations, 24/7 phone availability, and virtual meetings so you can talk with a lawyer when you need to, not just during office hours.

Contact Crawford and Boyle, LLC at (678) 726-5400 or contact us online to speak with a prescription fraud attorney in Gwinnett County.

Understanding Prescription Fraud Laws in Georgia

Georgia law is exceptionally broad when defining what constitutes fraud in the context of obtaining medication. Under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, specifically O.C.G.A. § 16-13-43, it is illegal for any person to acquire or obtain possession of a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge. 

We often see these charges categorized into several distinct behaviors:

• Forgery of Prescriptions: This includes altering a legitimate prescription (such as changing the quantity or the number of refills), using a stolen prescription pad, or creating entirely fictitious scripts using computer software.
• Doctor Shopping: Legally known as "withholding information from a practitioner," this occurs when a patient visits multiple doctors to obtain concurrent prescriptions for the same or similar controlled substances without disclosing the previous prescriptions.
• Deception and Subterfuge: This can involve using a false name or address, impersonating a medical professional over the phone to call in a script, or lying about symptoms to obtain specific narcotics.
• Pharmacy Scams: Presenting a forged script to a pharmacist or using "phishing" techniques to intercept electronic prescriptions.

It is important to distinguish between "Controlled Substances" (like OxyContin, Adderall, or Xanax) and "Dangerous Drugs" (non-scheduled drugs that still require a prescription, like certain antibiotics or blood pressure medications). 

In many cases, people charged with these offenses are dealing with real pain, injury, or dependency issues. Even so, prosecutors often view these cases through a narrow lens focused on controlled substances and diversion from legitimate medical use.

While fraud involving dangerous drugs under O.C.G.A. § 16-13-78 is typically a misdemeanor, fraud involving controlled substances is a serious felony. Our prescription fraud attorneys meticulously review the specific substance involved to ensure the state has not overcharged you.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Prescription Fraud Convictions in Georgia

Georgia does not take pharmaceutical crimes lightly. The penalties for a felony conviction under O.C.G.A. § 16-13-43 can be devastating.

Direct Legal Penalties

• Prison Time: A felony conviction can result in a sentence of one to eight years in a state penitentiary.
• Hefty Fines: Courts can impose fines of up to $50,000 per count.
• Probation: Long-term supervised probation is common, often requiring regular drug testing, searches of your home, and travel restrictions.

Collateral Consequences

The impact of a conviction reaches far beyond the courtroom. As your Gwinnett County prescription fraud lawyer, we warn clients of the following "invisible" penalties:

• Professional Licensing: If you are a nurse, doctor, pharmacist, or lawyer, a felony drug conviction will likely lead to the immediate suspension or revocation of your professional license.
• Firearm Rights: Under both Georgia and federal law, a felony conviction results in the permanent loss of your right to possess or carry a firearm.
• Employment Barriers: Most employers in Gwinnett County conduct criminal background checks. A felony fraud charge can make it nearly impossible to secure high-level employment or housing.
• Driver’s License Suspension: In Georgia, certain drug-related convictions can trigger an automatic suspension of your driving privileges, regardless of whether a vehicle was involved in the crime.

Why Gwinnett County Clients Hire Our Firm For These Charges

Our Gwinnett County prescription fraud attorneys at Crawford and Boyle, LLC spent part of their careers as prosecutors, so we have seen drug cases from both sides of the courtroom. We use that knowledge to identify weaknesses in the State’s case, explore options for reduction or dismissal when possible, and prepare for trial if that becomes the right path.

Experience matters when the stakes are this high. Our team brings over 50 years of combined experience to your side and has handled thousands of criminal cases since our firm opened in 2010. We draw on that history every time we craft a defense strategy, whether the allegation involves forged prescriptions, doctor shopping, or accusations that you obtained medication through deception.

Our attorneys are members of respected professional organizations, including the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. We have also received recognition such as Superb Avvo ratings and listings in The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. These are not just badges on a website, they reflect a sustained commitment to criminal defense work on behalf of clients like you.

How We Defend Prescription Fraud Cases

No two prescription fraud cases are identical. The evidence can involve written prescriptions, electronic pharmacy data, video surveillance, medical records, and witness statements. Our first step is to obtain and review that material carefully so we understand what the State believes happened and what they can actually prove in court.

Our background as former prosecutors helps guide this review. We look at how the investigation was conducted, whether law enforcement complied with search and seizure rules, and whether any statements were taken in a way that could be challenged. We also examine whether the evidence clearly shows an intent to defraud, which is often a key issue in prescription cases.

In some situations, there may be legitimate explanations or misunderstandings, such as miscommunication between doctors, unclear pharmacy instructions, or errors in record-keeping. In others, the case may involve underlying addiction or dependency issues. When appropriate, we discuss with clients whether treatment-based options or other mitigating steps.

Our strategies as your Gwinnett County prescription fraud defense lawyer include:

• Challenging the Search: If the evidence (such as a forged script) was found during an illegal search of your car or person, we fight to have that evidence thrown out.
• Attacking "Intent": We investigate whether there was a clerical error at the physician's office or a misunderstanding of the doctor’s instructions.
• Expert Consultation: We may work with medical experts to demonstrate that the medications in question were medically necessary, which can significantly mitigate the perceived "criminality" of the actions.
• Diversion Programs: For first-time offenders, we aggressively pursue Pre-Trial Diversion, which allows for the case to be dismissed upon completion of certain requirements, keeping your record clean.

Throughout the process, we stay focused on communication. We explain each stage of the case, from initial hearings through motion practice and, if necessary, trial. We talk about the pros and cons of different choices, answer your questions, and adjust our strategy as new information comes to light.

What To Do After An Arrest Or Investigation

If you have just been arrested or contacted by law enforcement about prescription fraud, it is natural to feel pressure to explain yourself. We recommend that you politely decline to answer questions until you have had the chance to speak with an attorney.

Helpful steps to take in the days after an arrest or investigation:

• Avoid discussing the facts of your case with anyone other than your lawyer, including on social media.
• Gather any prescription records, pharmacy receipts, or medical documentation that may relate to the medications at issue.
• Write down what happened while your memory is fresh, including dates, locations, and names of doctors or pharmacies.
• Do not attempt to contact potential witnesses to set the record straight without legal guidance.
• Contact our firm as soon as possible so we can talk through what to expect and how to prepare.

Upcoming court dates are also important. You may have a first appearance, bond hearing, or arraignment scheduled at the courthouse that serves this part of Georgia. Having legal representation from a prescription fraud attorney in Gwinnett County before those dates allows us to start addressing bond conditions, reviewing the initial charges, and planning an early strategy.

Protect Your Future With Prompt Legal Help

At Crawford and Boyle, LLC, our attorneys bring decades of combined experience, a former prosecutor perspective, and a deep understanding of criminal practice in this area to every case we handle. We know that reaching out for help can feel intimidating, which is why we offer free consultations, virtual meetings, and 24/7 phone availability to make that first step easier.

If you are looking for a prescription fraud lawyer in Gwinnett County, we are ready to talk. Call (678) 726-5400 or reach out online now to speak with our team about your situation.